Single vs Twin Bike Trailer: Which One Does Your Family Need?

TL;DR: A single bike trailer carries one child and is lighter to tow, generally around 15.5kg, while a twin bike trailer carries two children side by side and weighs closer to 18.5kg, with a wider frame to match. Not every model comes in both versions, some, like the Hamax Traveller, are twin only, so your choice of style can narrow things down before price even comes into it. A twin trailer typically costs around £50 more than the equivalent single, and both share the same safety certification and age guidance per child.

Choosing between a single and a twin bike trailer usually comes down to how many children you're cycling with right now, and sometimes how many you're planning for. Here's exactly how the two compare.

Single vs Twin Bike Trailer: The Core Difference

A single bike trailer has one seat and one harness, built to carry one child. A twin bike trailer has two seats side by side, built to carry two children at once, whether that's twins or siblings close in age. Both versions typically share the same underlying frame design within a model range, just scaled up in width and weight for the second seat.

Not Every Model Comes in Both Versions

It's worth checking this before anything else, since not every Hamax model offers a single and twin option side by side. The Hamax Avenida and Hamax Outback ranges both come in single and twin versions, so you can pick the same style either way. The Hamax Traveller, on the other hand, is twin only, so if that's the style you want, a single version simply isn't an option.

Weight and Towing Difference

A single bike trailer is noticeably lighter to tow than a twin, which matters more than it might seem once you're actually cycling with it attached. The Hamax Outback Single weighs around 15.5kg excluding the tow bar, while the twin version adds roughly 3kg for the second seat and wider frame. That extra weight is manageable on flat routes but worth factoring in if you're regularly cycling anywhere hilly.

Price Difference Between Single and Twin

A twin bike trailer generally costs more than the single version of the same model, though the gap is smaller than you might expect. The Hamax Avenida Single is £599, while the Hamax Avenida Twin is £649, a £50 difference for a second seat. At the other end of the range, the twin-only Hamax Traveller starts from £499, which is actually cheaper than several single models, since price depends on the specific range's features as much as seat count.

Multi-Function Models Worth Knowing About

Several Hamax trailers, single and twin alike, convert into a stroller or jogger by swapping the bicycle arm for a stroller wheel, which is worth considering regardless of which seat count you need. The Hamax Cocoon, available in both single and twin, offers this 3-in-1 functionality along with individually reclining seats on the twin version, useful if two children want to nap at different times on a longer ride.

Safety Standards

Both single and twin bike trailers should carry EN 15918 and EN 1888 certification, covering the trailer's safety both as a bike trailer and in stroller mode where applicable. Look for a secure five-point harness on every seat, reflective detailing for visibility, and a weight limit of around 22kg per child, which is standard across most ranges regardless of seat count.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're cycling with one child, a single bike trailer is the lighter, easier option to tow and generally the cheaper choice too. If you have two children, whether twins or siblings close in age, a twin bike trailer saves you from needing two separate trailers, and the weight difference is manageable for most family cycling. If you're planning for a second child soon, it's worth checking whether your preferred model even offers a twin version before committing to a single.

Final Thoughts

The choice between a single and twin bike trailer mostly comes down to how many children you're carrying, but it's worth checking which models actually offer both options before falling for a specific style. Weight, price, and safety certification are broadly consistent across the range, so the real decision is simply how many seats you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a twin bike trailer much heavier to tow than a single? 

A little, typically around 3kg more. It's noticeable on hills but manageable for most everyday family cycling.

Do single and twin bike trailers cost very differently? 

Not hugely. A twin version is often around £50 more than the equivalent single model, though prices vary more by range than by seat count alone.

Can every bike trailer model be bought as either single or twin? 

No. Some models, like the Hamax Traveller, are twin only, so it's worth checking which versions a specific style actually offers before deciding.

What safety standard should I check for a bike trailer? 

Look for EN 15918 and EN 1888 certification, along with a five-point harness on every seat, regardless of whether you choose single or twin.

Should I buy a twin bike trailer if I'm planning for a second child? 

It can make sense if your preferred model offers one, since it avoids buying a single trailer now and a twin later. Just confirm the specific model has a twin version first.